(The Center Square) – Most Seattle voters are worried about the national economy and the potential for a recession due to President Donald Trump’s policies.
That’s according to the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce’s most recent “The Index” survey, which polled 700 Seattle voters in mid-April about their top concerns and opinions on issues of the day.
Responses to questions related to the Trump administration revealed that 89% of respondents believe the U.S. is generally going in the wrong direction, with 84% saying they have grown more concerned about their financial situation since Trump took office in January.
“That’s the highest wrong track number I’ve seen,” EMC Research Senior Principal Andrew Thibault said during a press conference on Tuesday.
Trump’s implementation of tariffs, which he argues will boost U.S. manufacturing and protect jobs, has raised economic anxiety based on the assumption that prices will rise as a result.
Tariffs on imports have shaken voters in Seattle, a major port city. According to the survey, 90% of respondents worry that Trump’s economic policies will cause a recession.
The survey notes that six in 10 voters identify as Democrats, which makes them the primary driver of the overall opinion for all survey questions. Even with a Democratic majority, disapproval of Trump in his first four months as president is off the charts in Seattle.
Actions from the Trump administration that sparked backlash from the majority of Seattle voters include enforcing federal immigration laws, eliminating DEI programs, signing executive orders that hinder transgender medical care, and withdrawing from international agreements related to climate and health.
Protests against Trump and his policies have become more frequent in the city.
While most survey respondents expressed a desire for the city to stand up to the federal administration, Seattleites also don’t want the national government to distract city leaders from continuing progress on local priorities like homelessness and public safety.
“We can and we should be opposing the Trump administration when there is overreach or when their activities don’t align with our Seattle values,” Seattle Metropolitan Chamber CEO Rachel Smith said. “At the same time, we need leaders to continue to make progress on our top priorities here at home and not let that sort of mayhem happening federally really distract us from making progress.”
The survey notes that 67% of voters believe the city should be protecting core progressive values like social justice and equity.
Since Trump took office, the Seattle City Council has established the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes to better prepare the city for the impacts of Trump’s orders and policies.
